While the Ravens have questions about the future at many positions, inside linebacker isn’t one of them. C.J. Mosley will be in Baltimore through at least 2018, and despite not taking a big step forward after a Pro Bowl rookie season, his future is very bright in Baltimore. Daryl Smith has quietly been one of the most productive defenders and leaders for Dean Pees’ unit since arriving from Jacksonville in 2013. He’s been a model of consistency, piling up over 100 tackles in each season and never missing a start.
Smith, however, will turn 34 in March and his name is one that often comes up when discussing potential cap casualties. The Ravens could save a little over $2.6 million by cutting him, according RSR’s capologist Brian McFarland. Smith has also pondered retirement following the past two seasons and it wouldn’t be shocking if he decided to hang up his cleats.
The expectation used to be that Arthur Brown would eventually take over for Smith and he and Mosley would be one of the better young ILB duos in the NFL. Brown’s struggles however have been well documented, and he’s barely sniffed the field since being drafted in the second round of 2013. So if Smith isn’t in Baltimore in 2016, who will start alongside Mosley? The potential answer may end up surprising some.
Zach Orr is a player that a lot fans aren’t too familiar with. Orr was signed as undrafted free agent out of North Texas in 2014. A big reason he signed with the Baltimore was because of their track record and success with undrafted linebackers.
“I know all about Ravens’ past success with undrafted linebackers,” Orr said according to Patrick Gleason of the Ravens official site. “It’s a tradition that scouts and coaches have always been proud of and one of the reasons I signed here.”
Orr has followed in the footsteps of undrafted Ravens linebackers before him like Bart Scott, Jameel McClain, Dannell Ellerbe and Albert McClellan. He has become one of the best special teams players the last two seasons and saw his defensive snaps increase in 2015. He has set high goals for himself for the 2016 season.
“If Daryl comes back, the competitor in me, I’d love to see him back,” Orr said last month according to Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun. “But whether he’s here or not, I’m going to come in trying to compete for a starting job. Regardless of what I’ve been doing the last couple years, I’m going to continue to do that the rest of my career.”
No one, including coaches, would be surprised to see Orr emerge as the next undrafted linebacker to thrive in Baltimore. Coaches and teammates have frequently praised him as a player with great work ethic and high potential.
“Zach’s potential is unlimited,” said linebackers coach Don Martindale, according the Ravens official site. “There have been a lot of really good linebackers to play for the Ravens. If he continues to work hard and study, Zach will help carry on that great tradition we have in Baltimore.”
Orr’s path will be an interesting one to follow. Baltimore has been a breeding ground for under the radar, undrafted linebackers. If it’s not Daryl Smith starting next to Mosley next season, no one should be surprised if it ends up being Orr.
